MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - A new enforcement initiative is being launched in Mahoning County to enhance public safety and connect people with transformative support services.

On Tuesday, The Ohio State Highway Patrol's Canfield Post (OSHP) announced it is collaborating with the Youngstown Police Department to improve traffic safety and reduce crime across Mahoning County.

The new initiative will allow the officers to increase patrols on interstate 680 during the six-week initiative. OSHP Lieutenant Ben Dennison, started that this area is one of their most problematic. According to the agencies speed dashboard, statistics show that nearly 40% of people drive 15 miles over the posted speed limit on I-680.

Dennison told 21 News that part of their goal is to reduce the number of repeat offenders and prevent drug use. However, the enforcement initiative will go beyond only handing out tickets and making arrests. 

Meridian HealthCare will join the effort to provide mental health and addiction services to people who are taken into custody.

"No matter if it's a first offense, third, fourth, depending on what the severity is, we have something that can support them," Paige Rota, Chief Programming Officer, of Meridian Healthcare said. "Some of these individuals might just need that prevention level of care that our prevention team can offer, and then we also have that level of care detox in residential if someone needs to come stay with us for a length of time." 

Officials hope the summer long operation makes a lasting impact, by keeping the roads safe and drug free and giving people a chance to turn their lives around.